Timepiece Indicator Switching via Segmented Arbour
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece display devices are complex and cumbersome when switching between displaying different magnitudes, requiring intricate mechanisms like differential gears for reversing the display.
Innovation Solution
A simpler and more compact switch mechanism using a manually controlled rotating arbour and selector with phase synchronisation and lock means, allowing the same indicator member to display either the elapsed time or a second magnitude, such as a second time zone, by sliding between axial positions and using cam followers for synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a differential gear including a planetary wheel holder is used to switch the display from the first to the second variable magnitude, then the display switching is achieved, but the mechanism becomes complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into two independent heart-pieces (first heart-piece and second heart-piece), each responsible for displaying one variable magnitude. The indicator member is segmented to show either the first or second magnitude by engaging with one heart-piece or the other, eliminating the need for complex differential gears to switch between displays.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex differential gear mechanism to reverse or switch the display, the invention uses a simple indicator member that can be engaged with either the first heart-piece or the second heart-piece directly. The switching is achieved by manually disengaging from one heart-piece and engaging with the other, inverting the approach from complex mechanical reversal to simple selective engagement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex differential gear mechanism is used for switching display direction, then magnitude switching is achieved, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the display system into two independent heart-pieces and a multi-functional indicator member, the invention eliminates the need for bulky differential gear mechanisms. Each component is compact and can be arranged in a space-efficient manner within the timepiece casing.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator member serves multiple functions: it can indicate the first variable magnitude when engaged with the first heart-piece, and indicate the second variable magnitude when engaged with the second heart-piece. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate display mechanisms, reducing overall device volume.
Data Source
AI summary
The timepiece display device includes a rotating analogue indicator member (21), a first counter wheel set (38) and a second counter wheel set (44), whose positions are respectively representative of two magnitudes to be displayed by said indicator member (21), and a switch mechanism (40) with manual control (23) for selectively displaying the first or second magnitude via the indicator member. The display device is characterized in that the switch mechanism includes a rotating arbour (73) kinematically connected to the indicator member (21) and a sliding wheel set (71) secured to the arbour in rotation and provided for sliding, via the action of the manual control device (23), so as to selectively occupy on the arbour (73) a first axial position, in which the sliding wheel set (71) is coupled with the first counter wheel set (38), and a second axial position, in which the sliding wheel set (71) is coupled with the second counter wheel set (44).